Leaky Tank Back-Up Plan

I was thinking, if my tank ever leaks, it would be a good idea to have a back-up plan to house my fish for a while until I got a new tank. Well, what if I purchased a largish bin from Walmart or Superstore so that if the tank leaked, I could take the remaining water from the tank, dump it in the bin (topping it off with conditioned water), and chuck my filter on it.
I wouldn't be able to safely put a heater on it, but that isn't the end of the world if the water is a few degrees colder than normal, right?
Sound good? I have never actually seen people do this before and I was kind of wondering if there was some problem with using containers/bins?

 

I would think it would be fine, it's just another tank for
them. Why not use a heater? You might want to also get a piece of styrofoam to put underneath the tup to insulate it from the floor.

 

I dont see any problems with using it short term like you mentioned its just another container to house them in emergencies. Obviously, since those bins are made of plastic having a heater on it will melt the plastic and contaminate the water so yes i personally wouldnt suggest you put a heater. Then also you wouldnt get the viewing benefit but like you said its only temporary in emergencies so id say go for it.

 

I use a plastic storage bin for a qt tank (to avoid MTS), and my heater works just fine in it. No padding, just suction cupped to the side like normal. Just took it down a few weeks ago, but it had been set up and running for almost 3 months.

having a heater on it will melt the plastic

Heaters have suction cups that let you stick them to the side, without the heating element touching plastic to melt it.

 

You could through a handful or three of sand and set the heater on that or put the heater in a glass jar on the bottom. It's doable.

 

I would think it would be fine, it's just another tank for
them. Why not use a heater? You might want to also get a piece of styrofoam to put underneath the tup to insulate it from the floor.

I am worried the heater would melt the plastic.

 

im sure we all know how well the suction cups works and one mistake would probably move the heater and place it on the plastic. I personally wouldnt risk it but thats just my opinion.